Body positions to

reduce shortness of breath

Sitting Positions

A B
• Place both feet on the ground
• Lean your chest forward slightly
• Rest your elbows on your knees
• Rest your chin on your hands
• Place both feet on the ground
• Lean your chest forward slightly
• Rest your arms on a table
• Rest your head on a pillow

Standing Positions

A B
• Lean your chest forward
slightly
• Rest your hands on your
thighs
C
• Rest your elbows on a piece • Rest your hands on a
of furniture piece of furniture
• Rest your head on your • Avoid “grabbing the table”
forearms while using this position.
• Relax your neck and shoulders This can overwork some of
your accessory breathing
muscles and cause
breathlessness if you hold
the position too long.

2nd Edition 2007

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